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Print + Pattern :: 5 Ways To Style Banana Leaf Prints

Remember last year when everywhereyou looked you saw banana leaf prints? Everything from bikinis to espadrilles to iphone cases were covered with the iconic style. While the trend has died down a bit (and I do mean a bit)I for one will never tire of this tropical style in the home.

And, just in case your on the same wavelength, we're kicking off a new series around here that's all about prints, patterns, and how to combine them! Starting with this fresh combo...

Now, just for a little education on the subject, there are actually two iconic patterns that have inspired all the rest of the banana leaf lovers over the years. Martinique and Brazilliance have competed for favorite status over the years, and it's merely a matter of preference.

How you use the pattern is up to you. I love the way it looks here with the addition of stripes and the a woven texture. Plenty of white lends to the tropical vibe, as does a darker wood table.

This is how I've styled the fabric in my own home (yes, that's my bed!). I made the small addition of a single pillow to add punch to my other patterns - a small organic dot and a black and white block print duvet. The fabric on that pillow, by the way, is a really great affordable option if you're looking to order - it's a Tommy Bahama indoor/outdoor fabric called Swaying Palms.

Now, if you're more of a glamour girl (or guy), you'll want to take the Hollywood Regency approach to this print...

Remember this dining room? Yes, it belongs to Nicky Hilton, but let's focus on the real important piece here - the use of the black piping on those divine pink chair cushions.

Ok, so technically this is cheating because there's no other print in the room, but it's such a good example of how to use that all-over print, I couldn't resist! Combining the banana leaf with bamboo is a no-brainer. Black or white preferred. And yes, this room is a complete nod to the Beverly Hills Hotel where the wallpaper has been a staple for decades.

Now if you really wanna go big... first may I suggest starting small? I mean that as in the size of the room. If you're afraid of mega print like this, try it in a space that you don't spend a lot of time in - like a powder room. Then go a little crazy with it. Here, combining it with brass elements and malachite isn't too overwhelming because it's tone-on-tone. The elements all sort of blend together, even though they're all very strong (and glam!).

Last but not least - combining banana leaf with a bit of greek key (or any form of black trim really) lends itself to a regency vibe, while the Moroccan wedding blanket brings in a bit of boho. Keeping the rest of the room basic black and white makes it all fresh. And in case you're wondering where to get those framed prints? They're right here.

23 comment on “PRINT + PATTERN :: 5 WAYS TO STYLE BANANA LEAF PRINTS”

Comments (23)

Just like probably everyone else I have loved seeing banana leaf prints everywhere but I had no idea how to incorporate it into my own home with out getting new curtains or wallpapering a space. I love how you simply added the pattern by a pillow on your bed, it looks wonderful paired with your other patterns!xo Nan
Simply Elegant Blog

I love both the bedroom mixes! I like how the bold print can be included in a room without overpowering it. I think I am in need of some banana print for this upcoming summer in the southern hemisphere! Thanks for the ideas. 🙂

oh my gosh i absolutely love the banana leaf prints. we visited the greenbrier earlier this year and they were everywhere. i haven’t been sure how to style them so i truly appreciate your picks…i adore every single room you have chosen.

I love that powder room! I’d love to incorporate the banana leaf print into my camper! We go camping in the summer so often and most trailers have that yucky ‘ready-made’ wallpaper (with the light colours that are all swirly with 90’s throwback gold trim). Since we’re already glamping (our camper is 28 feet long and we run the AC 24/7) why not dress the camper appropriately!

[…] patterns, and how to combine them, or maybe you even recall my personal favorite, featuring banana leaf prints. Either way, it’s one we couldn’t completely leave behind. The first of the updated […]